Detroit Lions Midseason Grades: Defensive Tackle Report Card
By Dean Holden
Andre Fluellen
Dec 22, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) is tackled by Detroit Lions defensive tackle Andre Fluellen (96), cornerback Jonte Green (36) and outside linebacker DeAndre Levy (54) during the game at Ford Field. Falcons won 31-18. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Production
Fluellen has only been with the Lions since Week 4, when Justin Bannan was released, and he has played exactly 20 percent of the Lions’ defensive snaps since. He has one tackle and has missed two in five games, so he’s basically the exact same player the Lions have been trying to cut since 2010.
Grade: D
Impact
Fluellen isn’t in Detroit to make an impact. He’s there because when you need to sign a mid-season replacement, the guy who already knows the system is always the best option. Still, he’s become a notable part of the DT rotation, so that has to count for something.
Grade: D+
Vs. Expectations
Fluellen wasn’t ever expected to be a Lion this year, so this is hard to gauge. He’s basically the same player he ever was, though.
Grade: Incomplete
Overall
Fluellen is little more than the Lions’ admission that they really didn’t do a good enough job of finding DT talent in the offseason with Corey Williams and Sammie Hill leaving. They tried going forward with Justin Bannan, but they figured out he wasn’t working out after just three games. Fluellen is an acceptable emergency replacement, but he won’t be in the Lions’ plans in 2014.
Grade: D